Boba Bhai is a quick-service restaurant (QSR) chain specializing in bubble tea and Korean-inspired food. Founded in October 2023 by Dhruv Kohli, Boba Bhai has rapidly expanded across India, establishing a notable presence in the bubble tea market. The brand has raised INR 42.5 crore (approximately $4.9 million) to date, having recently secured INR 30 crore in a Series A funding round led by 8i Ventures. Headquartered in Bengaluru, India, Boba Bhai aims to resonate with Gen Z consumers by combining bubble tea flavors with K-pop themed food items.
Attribute | Information |
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Founding Date | October 2023 |
Headquarters | Bengaluru, India |
Founders | Dhruv Kohli |
Revenue | Approximately INR 8 crore (within first six months) |
Profits | Not publicly disclosed |
Key Investors | 8i Ventures, Titan Capital Winners Fund, Global Growth Capital, DEVC |
Industry | Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) |
Number of Employees | Not publicly disclosed |
Major Product Lines | Bubble Tea, K-pop Burgers, Korean-inspired Ice Cream |
Boba Bhai was launched in October 2023, fueled by India's burgeoning interest in Korean pop culture. Recognizing a gap in the market, founder Dhruv Kohli envisioned a chain that leveraged this cultural wave, introducing innovative flavors of bubble tea paired with Korean-style burgers. The initial months of operation saw rapid growth, driven by seed funding of INR 12.5 crore secured from Titan Capital and Global Growth Capital. By tapping into the digital economy with strong online sales channels, Boba Bhai quickly scaled its operations to key metropolitan areas ETRetail.
Currently, Boba Bhai operates 42 outlets in major cities like Bengaluru and Mumbai, aligning its menu with contemporary cultural trends like K-pop. The brand’s significant order volume and repeat customer engagement showcase its growing market presence. Boba Bhai’s strategic use of Series A funds aims to broaden its geographical footprint and product portfolio, solidifying its position as a leader in the burgeoning bubble tea segment Inc42.
Boba Bhai is carving a unique niche for itself in India’s QSR industry by combining Western tea culture with Asian culinary themes, enhancing its appeal among young, culturally attuned consumers. Its strategic adaptations to food and delivery dynamics, alongside innovative flavor offerings, set a strong foundation for growth. With aggressive expansion plans and the aim of establishing a preeminent bubble tea chain, Boba Bhai is poised to influence the future landscape of quick-service food retailing in India, catering to evolving customer preferences and expanding its market share effectively.